But unlike Johnson, who once was head coach of the Lakers, held an ownership stake, and now is head of their front office as president of basketball operations, Bryant has maintained his distance since retiring.

Not out of disdain or any sort of frayed relationship, but rather a matter of preference. Bryant unequivocally has stated on multiple occasions he doesn’t have any desire to hold any official title with the Lakers.

During an interview on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss said she nonetheless has continued to probe and will forever welcome Bryant with open arms:

“I’m constantly trying to get Kobe to get more involved. He’s got so many other projects that he’s doing. He’s so creative and he’s got so many different things. He knows how much I need him and how much his support means to me. He always has an open door to anything he wants to do with the Lakers.”

In addition, Bryant has made himself available to any of the team’s players, which Kyle Kuzma took advantage of during his rookie season. So while Bryant may never join the storied franchise with an official title, he very much remains tied to the Lakers.